It’s easy to avoid being stopped for window tinting if you are within your state’s window tinting laws. If you are a driver, a good bet is the last things you want to have happen is a traffic stop. In all 50 states window tinting laws are enacted primarily for the safety of law enforcement and drivers. Taking time to familiarize yourself with your state’s window tinting laws can go a far way in avoiding traffic stops, citations, fines and headache. Every state has it’s own window tinting laws. Let’s take a few minutes to review some categories that states may regulate. Understanding some of these laws is helpful before having any windows tinted on your vehicle.
*Window Tint Regulations:
Window tinting shading is measured in units of VLT (Visible Light Transmission). That is the percentage of light that goes through the window film.
Different states enact different restrictions on permissible VLT levels. Further, each state enacts different standards for each window. For instance, the state of Arizona allows a 33% VLT on front windows, while California only allows a 70% VLT, and some state may even prohibit any darkness at all. The same is true for the back and rear windows. The best thing to do is to check with your state’s official laws on the darkness level that is permitted. As mentioned before in Arizona, the legal limit VLT for the front two windows is 33% while all rear windows are allowed to be any film darkness.
* Color Restrictions on Window Tinting:
While this will not affect most of you, it is important to note that some colors are prohibited for window tinting. The primary reason for this is to avoid driver confusion between civilian and law enforcement vehicles. Often times states prohibit colors such as blue, yellow and red from window tinting on vehicles. Driver could mistake such a vehicle for an emergency vehicle. So if you’re the adventurous type, please check with your State’s window tinting laws to ensure that you’re in the clear.
* Reflectivity Standards for Window Tinting:
Again, this is unlikely to affect most window tinting consumers. Nonetheless, its crucial to bear in mind. All states enact reflectivity standards on window tinting. This is to ensure there are no mirror-like surfaces on windows that may potentially cause a hazardous situations with sun or night time lights reflecting back at the other drivers. While some states outright ban any reflectivity, some states cap it as high as 25%. If you feel the need to install a mirror-like film on your vehicle, be sure it’s done in accordance with in your state laws in order to avoid traffic stops.
* Film Certification/Identification Standards:
In some states, it is required for all film sold and installed to be certified by the state. Further, other states enact policies requiring stickers designating legal film to be placed on designated areas of the vehicle. You will want to check with your specific state laws on whether this is required where you live. In Arizona it is NOT currently required for you to have certification place on your window tinting. If certification is required in your state it is vital that your window tinting company provides this for you. In some cases, failing to install certified/legal film where required can void the window film manufacturer’s warranty. It also can warrant fines from law enforcement. If you live in a state where this is required, take the necessary steps to ensure you are on the right side of the law when it comes to certified film.
* Medical Exemptions:
In many states, medical exemptions are available for those with an official doctor’s recommendation. This may apply to patients who are in need of additional heat protection or vision aide. The most sensible thing to do if you believe you may qualify for a medical tinting exemption is to contact either your physician or law enforcement. IMPORTANT: Common belief is that just a doctor’s note is all that is required to be exempt from Arizona window tint laws. While this is partially true, the doctor’s note must be submitted to the DMV for review. After review, if you qualify, a medical waiver exemption certificate will be mailed to the person. Please visit OBTAINING A MEDICAL EXEMPTION for additional information.
* Windshield Tinting Laws:
Windshield tinting is another area covered on state law. Some states allow for tinting on the top-most several inches of your windshield. Others allow drivers to install film down to the manufacturer’s AS1 line. It is essential that you understand where your state stands on windshield tinting issues. This is sometimes an area where medical exemptions may be granted. With new window film technology like clearview IR/Nano Ceramic products you can have a clear windshield with a substantial amount of heat block.
To Conclude:
It is worthwhile to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the window tinting laws in your state where you live. If you are uncertain about something, it is always best to double-check with your local law enforcement. Ultimately, keeping it legal is always recommended.
For a free quote on your vehicle window tinting, feel free to view TintAZ instant Quote.